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£18,600 Visa requirement

I have been visiting my girlfriend in Philippines for almost 3 years now.
We are in talks of our next stage in our relationship, which is for her to live and work with me in UK.

We are unmarried, but I plan to fly over again in April or May for my 5th visit, where we will likely get married.

I only have an annual income of just under £16k, so i was curious, can the immigration control be leanient in terms of my situation? I currently live with my dad, therefore my cost of living can be made very low. or, can you substitute the missing funds for savings?
example, if i earn 16k but have 2.6k in savings.

Also, would anyone recommend an agency/solicitor whom helps with this process?

Thanks!

(I forgot to add, if the visa were to be accepted, my dad is willing to accomodate the both of us for any amount of time)

They are not lenient in the least. You will have to be earning the minimum requirement of £18,600 to apply for the visa, don’t even attempt to apply if you don’t meet this amount as the money you spent on applying for the visa will not get refunded to you.
Go through the forum. Many of us have applied without a lawyer especially if the application is straight forward. Many will help you along the way as most here have been through the visa process and can give you advice where you need it.

I have been visiting my girlfriend in Philippines for almost 3 years now.
We are in talks of our next stage in our relationship, which is for her to live and work with me in UK.

We are unmarried, but I plan to fly over again in April or May for my 5th visit, where we will likely get married.

I only have an annual income of just under £16k, so i was curious, can the immigration control be leanient in terms of my situation? I currently live with my dad, therefore my cost of living can be made very low. or, can you substitute the missing funds for savings?
example, if i earn 16k but have 2.6k in savings.

Also, would anyone recommend an agency/solicitor whom helps with this process?

Thanks!

(I forgot to add, if the visa were to be accepted, my dad is willing to accomodate the both of us for any amount of time)

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as the others have said--the £18600 rule cannot be reduced to help an individual.
you can however make up any shortfall through savings. the formula is

That's good to know, but (and i think it's the only time i'll say this) unfortunately i don't have a disability for PIP lol. I do suffer anxiety which i end up losing time off work now and then, but then again i'm on my meds now so it would be an unreliable option for me i think.

or.. get another job that pays more? I know it may be a bad suggestion but you can try and look around.. wait for a while and get the payslips needed, then apply for visa..

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Thank you! I appreciate any suggestion i'm going to see what our pay negotiations bring in April first, hopefully that will put my income very close to the requirement. I don't want to be quick to leave my job as i've been here for 5 years, if i'm left with no option then I will be doing this

Thank you! I appreciate any suggestion i'm going to see what our pay negotiations bring in April first, hopefully that will put my income very close to the requirement. I don't want to be quick to leave my job as i've been here for 5 years, if i'm left with no option then I will be doing this

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£18,600 is the botton line--dont apply if you cant prove you earn that. try to find an extra part time job.